Scholarships and other support
The desire to make a difference in people’s lives through social work should never be hindered by financial barriers. In addition to working with VCU Student Financial Services, our school offers a broad range of scholarships, research assistantships, awards and other financial supports like our Child Welfare Stipend Program and Project PIRR. In addition, all VCU School of Social Work Ph.D. students have 100% of their tuition covered in the first four years of the program.
Students can find more information about school scholarships, and instructions, through the Rams Scholarship Hub. The following are available:
School scholarships and awards
- Rosa Jimenez-Vazquez Adelante Scholarship: Sirviendo La Comunidad Hispana (B.S.W., M.S.W.)
- Frank and Patricia Baskind Scholarship (B.S.W, M.S.W, Ph.D.)
- Dr. David P. Beverly Memorial Scholarship Fund (M.S.W.)
- Dr. Marilyn A. Biggerstaff Fund for Doctoral Student Research (Ph.D.)
- Don L. Bradley Endowed Scholarship (M.S.W.)
- Campbell Merit Scholarship in Social Work (B.S.W.)
- Joanne Kerbs Caramanica Scholarship (M.S.W.)
- Thomas Carlton Memorial Fund (M.S.W.)
- Mary Dotson & Charles Lane Cartledge IV Endowed Scholarship (M.S.W.)
- Emmett W. Cocke, Jr. Scholarship (M.S.W.)
- Economic Justice Scholarship (B.S.W., M.S.W.)
- Hans S. Falck Scholarship (Ph.D.)
- Drs. Rosemary L. and David J. Farmer Public Mental Health Scholarship (M.S.W.)
- Rick and Brenda Faulkner Scholarship (B.S.W., M.S.W.)
- Anne Fischer Scholarship Fund in the School of Social Work (M.S.W.)
- Fostering Success Scholarship (B.S.W., M.S.W.)
- Kimberly Giancaspro Scholarship (M.S.W.)
- Bob Green Research Fund (M.S.W. or Ph.D.)
- Dr. Grace E. Harris Merit Scholarship (B.S.W.)
- Hatcher Merit Scholarship in Social Work (B.S.W.)
- William Randolph Hearst Scholarship for Social Workers in Aging (M.S.W.)
- Hurtado Family Endowed Scholarship (B.S.W., M.S.W., Ph.D.)
- Gaye Shinall Jones Merit Scholarship (B.S.W.)
- Robin M. McKinney Dissertation Honor Fund Endowment (Ph.D.)
- Pamela B. Nystrom Memorial Scholarship Fund (B.S.W.)
- Peace and Justice Scholarship (M.S.W.)
- Bill and Sherry Peterson Scholarship (M.S.W.)
- Elaine Z. Rothenberg Memorial Scholarship Fund (B.S.W., M.S.W., Ph.D.)
- David N. Saunders Legislative Internship Fund (B.S.W. or M.S.W.)
- Rita Schleuter Memorial Scholarship (B.S.W.)
- School of Social Work Administration, Planning and Policy Practice (SWAPPP) Scholarship Fund (M.S.W.)
- Martin Schwartz Scholarship (M.S.W.)
- Cesare and Ida Sclarandis Fund (B.S.W., M.S.W.)
- Dr. Marjorie A. Stuckle Endowed Scholarship (M.S.W.)
- Swank-Divine Scholarships (M.S.W.)
- Judy M. Thomas “Dr. T.” B.S.W. Scholarship (B.S.W.)
- Virginia Council on Social Welfare Scholarship (B.S.W.)
- Katharine McCardell Webb Merit Scholarship (B.S.W.)
- Mel C. Whipple Scholarship (M.S.W.)
- Rachel Wilkerson Memorial Scholarship (M.S.W.)
Learn more about the donors and supporters behind these scholarships.
Other scholarship/funding opportunities
These scholarships are not available through the scholarship hub; use the links or contact information to learn more about requirements and the application process for each.
- Dr. Alma S. Adams Scholarship for Outreach and Health Communications (B.S.W., M.S.W.)
- Child Welfare Employee Education Assistance Program (M.S.W.). Contact
- Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial M.S.W. Scholarship (M.S.W.)
- Davis-Putter Scholarship (B.S.W., M.S.W.)
- Wayne C. Hall Undergraduate Scholarship (B.S.W.)
- Hampton Roads Association of Social Workers Scholarship (M.S.W.)
- Susan E. Kennedy Graduate Scholarship (M.S.W., Ph.D.)
- Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial M.S.W. Scholarship (M.S.W.)
- National Association of Black Social Workers Scholarships (M.S.W.)
- Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society Study Abroad Grant (B.S.W.)
- VCU Phi Kappa Phi Scholarships (B.S.W., M.S.W., Ph.D.)
Apply for additional funding
The Pay It Forward Emergency Fund assists our social work students who encounter an unforeseen financial emergency that would otherwise prevent them from continuing their education at VCU. Currently enrolled social work students in the B.S.W., M.S.W. and Ph.D. programs may apply if they meet eligibility requirements.
The Social Work Field Fund assists with field placement-related expenses. Full- and part-time B.S.W. and M.S.W. students may apply for funds when they are enrolled in a field practice course.
VCU National Scholarship Office
The National Scholarship Office (NSO) assists students with applying to national and international fellowship and scholarship opportunities related to their academic and professional goals. The office researches and offers suggestions on opportunities that best suit students' aspirations, provides advice on how students can produce competitive applications, and connects students with vital resources to improve their materials.
Please note that they only support services for students seeking external funding outside of VCU, thus excluding scholarships awarded by VCU schools and departments. Schedule an appointment with the NSO online or email natlscholar@vcu.edu.